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THE State Government has unveiled a raft of emergency measures to ensure rail commuters between the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane have access to toilets.

After a week of sustained pressure from rail travellers and the Daily, Transport Minister Scott Emerson yesterday released details of a multi-pronged plan which will be put in place today.

Trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line; facilities will be inspected on a daily basis and necessary maintenance of toilets will be done overnight.

It follows increasing outrage over the poor service provided to Coast rail travellers, particularly early morning commuters who are often forced to do the trip without toilet facilities.

Until yesterday's announcement, the best Queensland Rail could do for the estimated 1000 commuters who make the trip each day was introduce a quick toilet stop at Caboolture.

The State Government has blamed vandalism for much of the problems.

On Monday, three QR staff were seen visiting several Coast rail stations and ensuring travellers on the quality of the service - a move QR said was part of its normal operations.

On Saturday, only three of 10 Coast politicians approached by the Daily - Mal Brough, Mark McArdle and Andrew Powell - agreed to ride the trains to see the situation first-hand.

But Mr Emerson said the steps he unveiled to the Daily yesterday would see immediate improvements.

It was reasonable for passengers to expect the most basic amenities on the train network, particularly on longer services, he said.

"Having travelled on the Sunshine Coast line many times before, I understand how frustrating and inconvenient it can be when toilets are not available.

"From Monday, trains with toilet facilities will be prioritised to the Sunshine Coast line with particular focus on those busy morning and afternoon peak services.

"Trains travelling to and from Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast will be inspected daily to determine if repairs are needed. Queensland Rail will then ensure any maintenance required is done overnight so passengers on the first Sunshine Coast service of the day will no longer have to put up with faulty toilets."

Mr Emerson said he would also look at having maintenance done on the Coast, directing QR to investigate the option of bringing mobile equipment to Nambour and Gympie.

"This would fast-track any maintenance needed and immediately increase the availability of facilities," he said.

But the minister's good news didn't extend to major infrastructure works.

While he admitted the Coast line had "other issues", duplication was still not on the table.

"While we cannot yet afford to duplicate the line due to Labor's debt, we can at least ensure services such as toilet facilities are meeting the expectations of Sunshine Coast passengers."

The Minister's announcement was strictly embargoed, meaning the Daily could not obtain comment from rail campaigners until today.

Repairs and maintenance will be carried overnight.

Reader poll

How do you rate the frequency of express trains for the Coast?

This poll ended on 21 March 2013.

Excellent - 2%

Good - 4%

Fair - 10%

Poor - 27%

Pathetic - 55%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.